I Failed The West Highland Way... TWICE (Part 2)

[@pauladams6969]

Brings back memories. Ive attempted that trail twice too, and failed both times. 1st time I lasted 7 miles and went into a massive fit like seizure - ended as soon as I got up. 2nd time I managed to get to Bridge of Orchy, but with the duration of that day was dizziness and weakness (2 signs of fit coming on), and the next day being completely in moorland, I didnt want to take that chance, so I went home. 3rd time is in May 2023 - on medication for fits now and not had any symptoms for 3 years now, hopefully 3rd time lucky.

[@davidjackson8829]

You are a GREAT storyteller. I am an experienced hiker and wildcamper. I tried and failed. Bought new boot and used heavy weight thermal socks. Big mistake. Got to Crianlarich. Massive blisters bigger than compeed could cover. I will go back soon and finish it. Respect to you.

[@robertchappellsnr.5872]

Chin up hen... Ye will manage nxt time... Yer a fighter..!! 🥰🥰

[@chuterence]

Just came across this video as Im about to embark on the WHW for the first time. Really impressed how instead of giving up or making excuses for your mistakes, you seem to embrace them and really try to learn from them and improve your situation. The next attempt will be a raring success!

[@ilanagorochova290]

Thank you for sharing! We have failed this August as well, bags were way too heavy , rain by loch killed me! But as you said, something is calling again, and now i am thinking to go back next month

[@pauljamieson888]

Having watched both of your videos on failing the WHW iv gotta respond to your honesty and the humour both you and your mum showed when things went pete tong. The way is no stroll in the park but im glad you finally completed it. The first time back in the early eighties i tried this i bailed too after wearing the wrong footwear. And to this day i have nightmares about these huge stiff climbing boots with no give in them.. All the time i reffered to them as Feet F***ers! Cheers....👍

[@jakesofalltrades7129]

Was waiting for the part 2. I had seen 1 or 2 videos about Redbubble in the past. Somehow, I got glued to the recent videos. It made me go back and watch your old videos including the live stream. Subbed because of West Highland part 1 video. Hoping you will post videos more frequently.

[@RoguePixel]

I will definitely try and post a little more often - I'm so glad you've enjoyed the tales of my misadventures :)

[@choosehappiness888tarot]

I love the reality of these 2 part stories! I now look forward to trying the West Highland Way in the future(& even if I fail...you have given me the courage to keep trying...what an amazing experience eh...reminds me of camping in Shediac, N.B. we caught the tail end of a hurricane..and the ocean came up to meet us...our tent was submursed in a foot of water ).❤️🇨🇦☕️Keep trying eh..When you succeed it will be that much more worth it eh!🌻(Love your videos too!🌻☕️🇨🇦)

[@edwinlkenny6373]

A nice start to my day, when this dropped in! Failure is usually the first step to success!

[@RoguePixel]

Exactly Edwin - glad you enjoyed :)

[@yvonnepulvenis9910]

It was a true experience even though i had walked miles in prep for the walk in my boots. The pounding rain was a nightmare but hand on heart walking up the endless rocky terrain in my boots although well walked in were actually really heavy which made me realise again as Martine mentioned your footwear is paramount. Gutted we couldn’t have finished but i know this time you have it in the bag. I salute your dedication to yourself and all your accomplishments, this one is going to be the cherry 🍒🥰🥰😘😘xx

[@RoguePixel]

I'm also gutted we didn't finish moms, but we learn from our mistakes! Still look back at that trip with a smile, even though there were horrible bits! xx

[@MakeItSo_ST]

I’m planning to do the WHW in October 2023, so these videos are helpful and I enjoyed watching you. I’m sure you know now… the troubles you describe mostly stem from issues with what was-or wasn’t-in your kit. Use a pack liner or dry bag inside your pack to keep everything inside dry. Also, if you don’t have a rain cover for your pack, get one. A rain suit, including rain pants, is also an important item to have. There are several videos on gear for the WHW specifically. Good luck with your next attempt!

[@RoguePixel]

Exactly - your kit is your lifeline! All the best for next year - you're going to love it :)

[@lincolnshirehiker]

Its funny when you look back on these things, you never regret them, they are still awesome memories even though things didn't go to plan. I hope the gods of the way cut you a bit more slack this time! Enjoy.

[@RS899847]

THANK YOU. YOU HAVE GIVEN A LOT OF GOOD ADVICE. I CAN'T WAIT FOR PART 7 "THE TRIUMPH", I'M ONLY JOKING. I'M SURE THAT YOU WILL MAKE IT THIS TIME. DON'T FORGET TO TRIM YOUR TOENAILS.❤👍👍👍

[@weezylou2925]

I’ll be walking at the end of September, have definitely benefited from your two videos. Thank you! Maybe see you on the trail!

[@RoguePixel]

Maybe you will!! I'm glad I helped in some way - have a blast on the trail!

[@ASMRFANCLUB477]

Like the new direction, great story.

[@jaynefindlay3158]

Me and a friend just walked it. I completed 5 days and had to stop because of a blister. She completed day 6 but had blister issues too. We'd been walking in our shoes for months. I think it was the merino wool rubbing on the pad of my damp foot. It was raining and cold and we just carried on. I had another thing to contend with as my husband was meeting me in Glasgow and we are in Edinburgh for 4 days, then London for 4 days and I didnt want to take a chance of an infection so I ended the walk to take care of my foot so I could enjoy my time with my hubby. Bummed though as I so wanted do the 7 days but it was the experience of a lifetime at age 60 and you never know how things are going to go.

[@alanhunter2051]

Well done you for being honest. When buying shoes boots you should buy a half or size up from what you normally use as your feet expand when walking and most important for you.. You don't stub your toes. Buying online is fine and sometimes cheaper than going to a proper boot shop but there is nothing like trying a few paire on to test properly as you can find a pair that fit properly.. They will probably cost a bit more but you cant put a price on permanent foot damage. The WHW has a reputation of being easy as so many people start it and a large percentage fail due to fitness footwear gear and packing far to much What I recommend to anyone reading this is to load your rucksack with drums of water or stones to the 10 to 20 kg that you are likely to want to carry and do short walks from home to start to let your body adjust to carrying the extra on your back. You will soon feel the difference in your footwear loaded. This will increase you chances of a successful trip. Cheers

[@redrunner]

I like your vlogs. This year I did DNF at Inversnaid. I am going back next April.

[@allanwilson2742]

Really enjoyed your video's. Try the Spayside way good trail.

[@davidpagett8160]

Hi you certainly summed up well at the end buy the best quality kit that you can afford it will pay dividends in the end . I really do hope that when you return you succeed I am sure you will kind regards David

[@RoguePixel]

Thank you David :)

[@andymcphie3008]

Success is buried in the garden of failure.

[@frosty_soda]

Yep, you are lucky! 😞

[@SteveSmith-67]

I know this is obvious but when it comes to long distance hiking it really is true…. Fail to prepare….prepare to fail. A couple of quick tips, use Leuko tape on your feet where your prone to blisters and then smear it in Vaseline it’s stops the tape sticking to your socks, use talc in your socks and shoes and overnight to help your feet. When you start getting your gear together first get an empty box put all your gear in it and calculate the volume of your gear and buy that size rucksack. It prevents you from filling it with stuff you don’t need as we pack our fears. Finally use a bin liner inside your pack to keep everything dry. Good luck 🤞